The KIT and KABOODLES

I used an Airfix BAC JAGUAR GR1 in 1/72 scale kit.  I bought the Desert storm 2 in 1 kit that included the JAGUAR and a BUCCANEER.  Stay tuned for my BUCCY in RCN service.  Anyhow, the JAG went together fairly well.  There was a noticeable gap where the wings attached to the fuselage.  Nothing a little putty can¹t fix.  I assembled the main airframe and brush painted it out in gloss black (humbrol 21).  The fin was painted in Satin white (humbrol 130  ).   I added the kit pylons, fuel take and bomb stores, painted khaki drab (humbrol  159).  Decalling was a mix of the kit decals, some spares and Toadster  acquisitions.   The leafs on the fins are cut from roundels off a 1/72 Arrow.  A sentimental gesture!  The flags, CANADA ID and roundels actually came from a 1/48 Hornet decal set via the Toadster.   I then used Testors clearspray dullcote spraybomb (1260 Dullcote Lacquer) to dull the plane down to its present finish.  I really like this stuff. I¹ve had satisfying results with both the gloss and dullcote sprays.  I took the overwing carriage rails from an Italeri F-104 kit.  Unfortunately I glued on some pretty dodgy sidewinders from the spares box. I have since found better ones.  Oh well. Next time!  I hope you find this JAGUAR interesting.
 

Here¹s my story:
 

SOVEREIGNTY ENFORCER
 

Canada¹s recent acquisition of Jaguars is the result of  good timing, political will and a little good luck.  The RAF had intended to scale down the Jaguar force during the 1990s, but after the good showing of the type in the Gulf War the plans were reconsidered. A major influence in the decision to hang onto the Jaguars longer was the persistent stretchout in the delivery date of the Eurofighter, the Jaguar's intended replacement. Canada¹s interest in the plane as an all weather interceptor for the 49th parallel, and American international dealings  meshed well with RAF transition plans.  

 

After Canada purchased BAe Hawks for the trainer role, the Brits were more than happy to offer a deal on some Jags.  Yet another opportunity for the Brits to thumb one to
Dassault.  It would seem that due to recent events, the Americans also liked seeing the French snubbed and did not voice any concerns or reservations over the Canadian purchase of the aircraft.  However, the plot thickens.

The Canadian Jaguar was to become known as the "Sovereignty Enforcer.²  As a preferred customer, Canada was able to secure Batch 3 Jaguars.  These JAGs were originally scheduled for India.  Recent events, including Afghanistan and economic/labour outsourcing concerns from the American Labour Congress, placed India in a position of finding itself suddenly more interested in purchasing American F-16s ( pressure... nah!) rather than more JAGs.    To keep its British allies onside, the Yanks suggest to them that the Canadian Forces could pick up those JAGS.  Canadian politicians in a flash (rare to be sure) order up the prized Jags.   


The Sovereignty Enforcers are  reasonably up-to-date, featuring more powerful Adour 811 turbofans with 37.4 kN (3,810 kgp / 8,400 lbf) thrust each, along with an avionics suite which incorporates Smiths Industries / GEC "Head-Up Display / Weapons Aiming Computer (HUDWAC)" system, used on the BAe Sea Harrier and featuring a wide-field HUD as well as the GEC-Ferranti "Combined Map & Electronic Display (COMED)", used on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.
 

The SE Jags primary role is to keep Canadian sovereignty meaningful on the world stage.   They fly defensively along the world¹s longest undefended border in an anti-terrorist role (officially). Canada has taken a bit of slag from its neighbour, as a harbourage for terrorists seeking gateway entrance to the States.  Saskatchewan's Blackfoot Squadron will take on the anti-terrorist role assigned.  Primarily they will act as a deterrent to the hijacking of Canadian flights. They will also serve in an ³overwhelming bombing² role to be performed on suspected ³cells² hiding on Canadian sovereign soil.  The Sovereignty Enforcer JAGS were recently seen in a European Airshow.  Canada¹s Blackfoot Squadron¹s low level passes were a crowd pleaser to be sure!  

As an interesting footnote, model builders with a Canadian interest will be glad to hear that Airfixt (Parody, not to be taken seriously JMN!)  has recently released the following kit.  As Mikey says about LIFE, try it you¹ll like it.





 

Text and photos copyright © 2004 James Adam

Page created March 29th, 2004